The 5th Doing Research in Applied Linguistics (DRAL) Conference, held in Bangkok, Thailand, held from September 5-7, 2024, brought together scholars and educators from across the globe, all aiming to share their research and insights on language, education, and policy. Organized by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) alongside partners such as English in South-East Asia (ESEA), the Education, Languages, and Internalization Network (ELINET), and the EMI Resource Center, National Chengchi University, Taiwan, the event serves as an international platform for exploring innovations in applied linguistics.

The DRAL Conference series is renowned as one of the premier platforms for applied linguistics research. The conference provides a forum for learning about applied linguistics research, discussing key issues in the area, and making contacts with like-minded teachers with the goals of advancing the field and developing greater professionalism in applied linguistics research.

Mr. Paulino V. Derilo, an Instructor III and BSEd Faculty Researcher, was the sole representative of Isabela State University during the international forum. His paper, titled “Implementation of the MTB-MLE Program: Perspectives and Attitudes of Teachers and Administrators,” which was categorized in Education, Languages, and Internationalization Network (ELINET) focus in multilingual education, was selected among a competitive pool of submissions. Mr. Derilo’s research centers on the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) program, a core component of the K-12 Curriculum in the Philippines which aims to provide early education (Kindergarten through Grade 3) in students’ native languages, a crucial initiative for a country with over 170 indigenous languages. Through this program, children gain a better grasp of fundamental lessons in multiple disciplines, fostering stronger learning foundations in their mother tongue. The study explores the perspectives of teachers and administrators involved in the implementation of MTB-MLE, examining how they view the program’s benefits and challenges. His research highlights critical areas in eductaion, including curriculum content, textbook availability, and the preparedness of educators to deliver lessons in students’ mother tongues.

The study reveals that while the MTB-MLE program had positive impacts on students’ learning outcomes, improving their comprehension and engagement, several challenges may hinder its full potential. Teachers noted that students’ skills improved significantly when lessons were taught in their mother tongue. However, issues such as the limited availability of printed learning materials and technological tools created obstacles.

Mr. Derilo’s research calls for a reevaluation of the curriculum, as well as better support for teachers to ensure more effective implementation. Moreover, the research resonates strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. SDG 4 emphasizes the importance of providing inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and the MTB-MLE program, which helps ensure children are educated in their native language, directly supports this goal. It also aids in preserving indigenous languages and cultures while promoting more effective learning. By sharing his research at the DRAL Conference, Mr. Derilo not only represented his university but also contributed to SDG 17, which emphasizes the value of global partnerships in addressing shared educational challenges.

Mr. Derilo’s presence at the 5th DRAL Conference as the sole delegate from ISU exemplifies both the university’s and his dedication to advancing educational research, which also marks a significant achievement for ISU, placing the university on an international platform where it can contribute to conversations of shaping future educational policies and practices.

His paper, which has already been recognized at the local level with a second-place award in the Higher Education Category at the Agency In-House Review, now garners international attention which adds to the prestige of ISU, while also reflecting its support for faculty involvement in their research efforts. His participation shows the potential for further international recognition of the university’s academic initiatives, setting a promising path forward for ISU in the global educational stage.